New English Translation
Job 20:3
3When I hear a reproof that dishonors me, then my understanding prompts me to answer.
Job 20:3 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
- New International Version (NIV)I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply.
- English Standard Version (ESV)I hear censure that insults me, and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.
- New King James Version (NKJV)I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.
Context of Job 20:3
1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered: 2“This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back – because of my feelings within me. When I hear a reproof that dishonors me, then my understanding prompts me to answer. 4“Surely you know that it has been from old, ever since humankind was placed on the earth, 5that the elation of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
Read all of Job 20Job 20:3 word by word
מוּסַ֣ר כְּלִמָּתִ֣י אֶשְׁמָ֑ע וְ֝ר֗וּחַ מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י יַעֲנֵֽנִי׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Job 20:3
- Job 19:29Fear the sword yourselves, for wrath brings the punishment by the sword, so that you may know that there is judgment.”
- Job 20:2“This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back – because of my feelings within me.
- Job 27:11I will teach you about the power of God; What is on the Almighty’s mind I will not conceal.
- Job 33:3My words come from the uprightness of my heart, and my lips will utter knowledge sincerely.
- Psalms 49:3I will declare a wise saying; I will share my profound thoughts.
- Psalms 78:2I will sing a song that imparts wisdom; I will make insightful observations about the past.
Commentaries on Job 20:3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3I have heard the check of my reproach - Some suppose that Zophar quotes the words of Job, and that some words should be supplied to indicate this meaning; e.g., "I have heard (sayest thou) the check or charge of my reproach?" Or it may refer to what Job says of Zophar and his companions, Job 19:2, Job 19:3; : How long will ye vex may soul - these ten times have ye reproached me. Zophar therefore assumes his old ground, and retracts nothing of what he had…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 3I have heard the check of my reproach - I have heard your violent and severe language reproaching us. Probably he refers to what Job had said in the close of his speech Job 19:29, that they had occasion to dread the wrath of God, and that they might anticipate heavy judgments as the result of their opinions. Or it may be, as Schultens supposes, that he refers to what Job said in Job 19:2, and the rebuke that he had administered there. Or possibly, and…Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. check of my reproach--that is, the castigation intended as a reproach (literally, "shame") to me. spirit of ... understanding--my rational spirit; answering to "calm thoughts" (Job 20:2). In spite of thy reproach urging me to "hastiness." I will answer in calm reason.Read the comment
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Job 20
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
New English Translation — © 1996-2016 Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
Commentaries